Game server operation manual
Simple guides for running your game server.
Browse original VialStack guides for panel basics, files, configs, backups, mods, admins, logs, troubleshooting, and game-specific settings.
Guide library
Popular server guides
Built from common game-hosting support patterns and rewritten for VialStack customers.
How to use the file manager
Open folders, edit configs, upload files, and make safe changes.
Getting StartedStart, stop, and restart your server
Use the right power action and know when a full stop is safer than a restart.
Getting StartedFind your server address and port
Locate the address players need and understand game, query, and RCON ports.
Files and ConfigsEdit config files safely
Change INI, CFG, JSON, XML, YAML, Lua, and properties files without breaking syntax.
BackupsCreate and restore backups
Back up before risky changes, restore safely, and download important saves.
BackupsUpload a world or save
Move existing worlds and save data into the correct server folder.
Mods and PluginsInstall mods and plugins
Use panel installers, Workshop IDs, plugin folders, and version checks.
Mods and PluginsRemove a broken mod safely
Recover from a crash loop after installing or updating a mod.
Players and AdminsAdd admins and operators
Give trusted players admin access using the right file, ID, or command.
Players and AdminsWhitelist, ban, and unban players
Control who can join and clean up bans or whitelist mistakes.
TroubleshootingRead server logs
Find the first real error and gather useful details for support.
TroubleshootingServer will not start
Check logs, configs, updates, missing files, and broken mods in the right order.
TroubleshootingPlayers cannot connect
Check address, password, whitelist, version mismatch, ports, and server browser issues.
PerformanceReduce lag and high resource usage
Tune slots, view distance, entities, mods, autosave, and restart schedules.
UpdatesUpdate or change server versions
Back up first, update the server, handle branches, and roll back if needed.
MinecraftEdit Minecraft server.properties
Change MOTD, difficulty, whitelist, player slots, and more.
RustChange Rust name, seed, and map
Edit hostname, description, seed, size, and wipe settings.
PalworldEdit Palworld settings
Change name, password, rates, admin password, and save behavior.
ARKAdjust ARK rates and settings
Change XP, taming, harvesting, breeding, and admin settings.
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Game manuals are in the pull out menu.
Use the Game Manuals tab at the top left of the page to open the full list. A few common games are shown below for quick access.
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